The 50 mesh specification of plain weave wire mesh is defined by ISO 9044 / ASTM E2016. The tables below reproduce the standard row — wire diameter, aperture and open area — and convert the count to a micron rating for filtration selection. The technical drawing redraws to the values selected.
50 Mesh Specification Row (ISO 9044 / ASTM E2016)
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Weight SS (kg/mu00b2) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Mesh | 0.220 | 0.288 | 288 | 32.1 | 1.25 | ISO 9044 |
50 Mesh to Micron & Aperture
| Openings per inch | 50 |
|---|---|
| Aperture (opening width) | 0.29 mm |
| Micron rating | 288 µm |
| Standard wire diameter | 0.22 mm |
| Open area | 32.1 % |
Aperture = (25.4 mm ÷ mesh count) − wire diameter. The micron rating equals the aperture in micrometres; actual retention also depends on particle shape and cake formation.
Wire Diameter Options at 50 Mesh
| Option | Wire dia | Aperture | Micron | Open area | Weight (SS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy wire | 0.286 mm | 0.222 mm | 222 µm | 19.1 % | 2.11 kg/m² |
| Standard wire | 0.220 mm | 0.288 mm | 288 µm | 32.1 % | 1.25 kg/m² |
| Fine wire | 0.165 mm | 0.343 mm | 343 µm | 45.6 % | 0.70 kg/m² |
Heavier wire adds strength and abrasion life but closes the aperture; finer wire opens the aperture and raises throughput at the cost of durability. Specify mesh count AND wire diameter to fix the aperture unambiguously.
Open Area & Flow at 50 Mesh
The standard 50 mesh weave presents an open area of about 32.1%. At this count the mesh presents little flow resistance; selection is normally driven by particle retention and mechanical strength rather than pressure drop.
50 Mesh Cloth Weight
Standard 50 mesh stainless cloth weighs approximately 1.25 kg/m² (density 7.93 g/cm³ basis; brass and copper weave roughly 10% heavier, aluminum about one third). Use this figure for roll handling and freight estimation.
Typical Applications for 50 Mesh Plain Weave Wire Mesh
50 mesh plain weave wire mesh is commonly specified for general straining and sieving, paint and coating filtration, grease filters, insect screening, grain cleaning and pre-filtration ahead of fine media.
When to Step Up or Down from 50 Mesh
Move to 60 mesh when particles are passing that must be retained; drop back to 40 mesh when the element blinds too quickly or the pressure drop is excessive. In a multi-layer pack, pair this count with a coarser support mesh downstream to carry the pressure load.
What Plain Weave Wire Mesh Does
General screening, sieving and filtration with square-aperture stainless steel wire mesh, where each wire passes alternately over and under the next — the most widely used woven wire cloth from coarse 2 mesh to fine 635 mesh.
Fitting & Care
- Cut on a guillotine or with sharp shears and bind or weld the edges of fine cloth so wires do not unravel.
- Support fine stainless steel wire mesh with a coarse backing screen whenever it filters against pressure.
